Minneapolis, MN Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard fence height
- 4 feet, must be open design
- Rear/side yard fence height
- 6 feet maximum
- Absolute height cap
- 8 feet, any location
- Sight triangle setback
- 15 feet from intersections
- Enforcing agency
- Minneapolis zoning administrator
Summary
Minneapolis limits fences to four feet in front and corner side yards, six feet along rear and interior side yards, and eight feet maximum anywhere, with material and sight-triangle restrictions enforced by the zoning administrator.
Fence height shall be limited by its location as specified below. In no case shall a fence exceed eight (8) feet in height, regardless of location. Front yard. Fences located in the required front yard shall not exceed four (4) feet in height. Fences located in a required front yard shall be constructed of open, decorative, ornamental fencing materials that are less than sixty (60) percent opaque.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
City code splits fence height limits by yard type: front and corner side yards cap fences at four feet unless the fencing is open, decorative material under sixty percent opaque; interior side and rear yards allow six feet, with some conditions raising that limit near the neighboring structure's rear wall; no fence anywhere may exceed eight feet. Fences may sit on or near the lot line but can't encroach into the public right-of-way without an encroachment permit, and none may block a fire hydrant or intrude into the fifteen-foot sight triangle at a street or alley intersection. Barbed wire, razor wire, chicken wire, and cable are barred; wood fences must resist decay.
Violations & Fines
A fence built taller than the yard-specific limit, made of banned material, or placed within the sight triangle is a zoning violation. The city can order it removed or modified through code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a front yard fence be in Minneapolis?
Can I put a fence on my property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
How Minneapolis compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Minneapolis to another location·View the Minnesota fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.